The title speaks for itself when you get first ideas about
this game. Demolition Racer is a game where you race in
Demolition Races and try to knock out as many as your other
opponents, or compete in bowl type leagues just like in real life
Demolition Derby. This game is pretty munch just another version
of the Destruction Derby games that I love so much, but by a
different publisher.

Graphics

Imagine the graphics of the PSX or N64 versions of Destruction
Derby, but with a 128-bit update, where everything is polished
off and there are no more jagged graphics, and that is what you
got here. The car models look nice, and even though there
isnt much here for innovation in design, what else would
you expect from a Demolition Derby game? There is a nice paint
editor you can access by customizing your own paint job, and even
add on a nice little selection of logos to your vehicle. I really
like the arenas and tracks you race on. They look really detailed
and it seems like youre driving on the real thing. The
menus are the easiest thing to use and you should have no problem
hopping right into the game. And I noticed not much pop up or
slowdown in the game either. And I have to admit I like the wide
variety of views available, like the overhead view is great to
use in demolition mode. The only downside to the visuals is that
theyre a bit on the plain side.

Sound

The game has all your standard sound effects here. You got all
your regulars crashing and bumping noises, and you get a cool
voice that pops up whenever you destroyed another car. And you
got this annoying voice that does the countdown to all the races.
Which is probably the only bad part about the audio in general.
The game does feature music from four cool rock bands, the most
notorious of them being Fear Factory. And I must admit, some of
these tracks are really fun to listen to.

Game play

The controls for this game are the easiest to learn. All you
use is just the dang L and R triggers and the control stick. The
L is brake and reverse. And the R is accelerate. And it is just
as easy as that. The steering is really dead on with the control
stick, so you should have no problems with the handling at all.

The game has a nice selection of modes. First you got your
exhibition for regular racing and derby modes. Then you got a
two-player mode where you can either race or do the derby against
each other or team up, or just go head-to-head with just the two
of you. The last mode is No Exit, where you pick to race in one
of two leagues, the Arena League (demolition derby) or Country
League (racing), and as you race and win more exhibitions, you
unlock more courses and cars to use.

Replay Value

The game is up to two players, but for some reason it feels
like it should be a four-player game. Two players is still lots
of fun, but if there was four, it would be the ultimate party
game. Also youd be cracking your hands at the single player
a lot so you can unlock everything. So if you are either
youre by yourself, or with a friend, youll still be
playing this game for a while.

In Brief

+: Great Demoliton game, Awesome Soundtrack, lots of fun to
play with a friend

-: Visuals are a little simple, wished it couldve been
up to four players

The Final Ratings Rundown

Graphics: 8.2
Sound: 9.3
Game play: 9.1
Replay Value: 8.6

Overall: 8.8

Rounded to fit GameFAQs Score: 9

Comments

Oh, I just love these Demolition games. They are very few
and far between since they no longer make any of the Destruction
Derby games. But it took me forever to find this game for sale,
and thats surprising considering Infogrames released it.
But if you happen to run across this rare gem make sure to pick
it up.